Eating Disorder Treatment Options in Dallas: Levels of Care and Recovery Support
Taking the first step toward healing from an eating disorder is a courageous decision. Recovery can feel overwhelming, but it is not something anyone has to face alone. If you are exploring eating disorder treatment options in Dallas, it helps to understand the different levels of care available. Knowing the types of support that exist can make the process feel more manageable.
Many people begin recovery with a treatment team that may include a therapist, dietitian, physician, and sometimes an eating disorder recovery coach. Each professional plays a different role in supporting healing and long-term recovery.
An eating disorder recovery coach like Sarah Lee, founder of Sarah Lee Recovery, often works alongside a treatment team to help individuals implement recovery strategies in real life.
Understanding Levels of Eating Disorder Treatment
Eating disorder treatment exists across several different levels of care. The appropriate level of support depends on medical stability, nutritional needs, and the level of structure someone may need during recovery.
These levels of care may include:
*Outpatient therapy – Regular sessions with a therapist and dietitian
*Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) – Several hours of treatment multiple days per week
*Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) – Structured daytime treatment programs
*Residential treatment – 24-hour support in a treatment setting
*Medical inpatient care – Hospital-based treatment when medical stabilization is required
For many individuals, recovery begins with outpatient treatment and gradually moves toward more independence as stability improves.
Higher Levels of Eating Disorder Treatment in the Dallas Area
For individuals who need a higher level of care, Eating Recovery Center (ERC) Plano is one of the most well-known eating disorder treatment programs in the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
ERC Plano offers structured treatment programs including:
*Partial Hospitalization (PHP)
*Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
*Specialized psychiatric and medical support
These programs provide structured treatment environments that help individuals stabilize physically and emotionally. They also help people develop tools needed for long-term recovery.
For many people in the Dallas area, ERC Plano can be an important resource when a higher level of care is needed.
Faith-Based Eating Disorder Treatment Options
For some individuals, faith is an important part of the healing process. There are many excellent eating disorder treatment providers in the Dallas area. However, there are currently no higher levels of care in Dallas that are specifically faith-based programs.
However, for individuals seeking recovery support that integrates Christian faith, there are two well-known treatment programs in the United States that provide faith-centered eating disorder care.
Selah House – Located in Indiana, Selah House is one of the most established Christian eating disorder treatment programs in the country. Their model integrates evidence-based treatment with Christian counseling and spiritual support.
Charis Eating Disorder Care – Located in Florida, Charis provides a Christian recovery environment that blends clinical eating disorder treatment with spiritual care for individuals who desire faith-centered support.
For individuals whose faith plays a central role in their recovery journey, these programs can offer meaningful options outside the Dallas area.
Sarah Lee also offers a faith-based approach to eating disorder recovery coaching for clients who desire it, integrating practical recovery support with Christian faith when requested.
Outpatient Therapists and Dietitians in Dallas
For many individuals, outpatient treatment becomes the foundation of their recovery. This often includes working with both a therapist and a dietitian who specialize in eating disorders.
In the Dallas area, several practices provide strong outpatient support. Here are two that Sarah works with often.
The Nourishment Center – The Nourishment Center, founded by Wendy Pierce, includes therapists and registered dietitians who specialize in eating disorder recovery. Their team-based approach allows clients to receive both emotional and nutritional support as they navigate recovery.
Lemond Nutrition – Lemond Nutrition, founded by Angela Lemond, is another respected Dallas-area practice offering nutrition counseling and dietitian support for individuals working toward recovery from eating disorders.
Working with a therapist and dietitian together can help address both the emotional and nutritional aspects of healing.
Where an Eating Disorder Recovery Coach Fits In
While therapists and dietitians are essential members of a treatment team, many individuals benefit from additional support between appointments. This is where an eating disorder recovery coach can play an important role.
Recovery coaching focuses on helping individuals apply recovery tools in everyday life. Coaches help clients navigate real-world challenges such as:
*meal support
*grocery shopping
*daily routines
*motivation and accountability
*navigating fears around food
Sarah Lee is a Certified Eating Disorder Recovery Coach through the Carolyn Costin Institute. She works alongside treatment teams to help clients implement recovery strategies and stay supported between appointments.
Her coaching approach focuses on practical implementation, accountability, and emotional encouragement throughout the recovery process.
You can learn more about eating disorder recovery coaching here.
Building the Right Treatment Team
Recovery rarely happens in isolation. Many individuals benefit from building a team that may include:
*a therapist
*a registered dietitian
*medical providers
*a recovery coach
*supportive family members
Each member of the team contributes a different type of support, helping individuals move forward with greater stability and confidence.
How to Know What Level of Care You May Need
Determining the appropriate level of eating disorder treatment depends on several factors. These include medical stability, nutritional status, emotional support, and the ability to maintain recovery behaviors independently.
Some individuals may begin recovery with outpatient therapy and nutrition counseling. Others may benefit from more structured support such as intensive outpatient programs, partial hospitalization programs, or residential treatment.
Signs that a higher level of care may be helpful can include:
*ongoing weight loss or medical instability
*difficulty maintaining adequate nutrition
*frequent eating disorder behaviors
*feeling unable to manage recovery without structured support
*needing more consistent accountability and supervision
A qualified treatment professional can help assess these factors and recommend the appropriate level of care.
Recovery support can also include additional guidance between appointments. For some individuals, working with an eating disorder recovery coach provides practical day-to-day support while navigating meals, routines, and recovery goals.
Recovery Is Possible
Exploring eating disorder treatment options in Dallas can feel overwhelming at first, but many resources exist to support recovery. Whether someone begins with outpatient therapy, a higher level of care program, or additional support through recovery coaching, the most important step is reaching out for help.
With the right support system in place, lasting recovery is possible.
If you would like guidance navigating treatment options or building a recovery support team, you can connect with Sarah Lee here.
